SIA buys 10 superjumbos

SIA buys 10 superjumbos

PARIS (AFP): The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said on Monday that Singapore Airlines has confirmed its intention to buy 10 superjumbo A380-800 airplanes, taking to 67 the total number of firm orders and letters of intent for the aircraft.

Airbus said that the airline had also taken out options on 15 more of the aircraft, adding that it would be the first carrier to fly the superjumbo.

The first of the A380-800s would be delivered to Singapore Airlines in the first quarter of 2006, with the last arriving by the end of 2007, Airbus said in a statement.

Airbus gave no financial details of the deal.

Singapore Airlines is one of eight carriers to have confirmed intentions to buy the superjumbo, which will be the biggest commercial aircraft in the world.

It says it plans to use the A380 on very busy routes to London, Los Angelese, San Francisco, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney

Qantas of Australia has signed up for 12 aircraft, Air France for 10 and British airline Virgin Atlantic six. US leasing company ILFC has placed orders for five passenger aircraft and five freight versions.